Fiona Cook, PgDip Registered Member MBACP(Accred)

About me

I understand that Counselling may feel like a daunting prospect. I will offer you openness and honesty, a confidential place where you can feel supported and not judged in anyway.

You may be looking for help with relationship issues with a partner, family or friends. You may have depression and/or anxiety and feel it is time for you to talk through your struggles. There maybe despair around affairs or betrayals, separation or divorce .Perhaps you are struggling with the loneliness of a loss or bereavement. There may be past or present abuse that has impacted on your sense of yourself and your self esteem. Possibly things are not too bad bad but you feel that talking to a counsellor may unravel a difficult dilemma. You may need somebody to listen to you and be there for you without the constraints of everyday life.

Talking to family and friends can help. However, they may not be able to see your situation objectively or provide the support that you need. Sometimes others agree or disagree, or advise or reassure too readily. This can leave us caught in a cycle of restricted thoughts and feelings, with problems which never seem to be fully resolved or addressed. We may modify our behaviour to suit another's point of view, or keep our feelings inside for fear of being a burden or being judged.

I offer a safe, empathic, confidential space where you can talk freely about what is troubling you. Together we can find ways to help you work through and overcome your difficulties, This can lead to a more settled and balanced way for you to feel within yourself and within your relationships.

I also offer counselling to trainee Counsellors requiring therapy to fulfil course requirements.

You can be assured that you will receive a professional service committed to your care.

My practice is based in St Albans and Barnet.

Training, qualifications & experience

I hold the Post Graduate Diploma in Contemporary Therapeutic Counselling (University of Hertfordshire) gained through four years of intensive training.

I am an experienced counsellor for individuals from diverse backgrounds, age, gender, sexual orientation with a wide range of issues that have brought clients to seek counselling. I offer short term therapy focusing on a specific problem, or longer term open ended Pychodynamic counselling which will involve looking at how your past experiences are impacting you now.

I am an Accredited Counsellor/Psychotherapist and a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, Registered MBACP(Accred)and strictly abide by their professional standards and code of ethics. As well as my private practice, I am a staff member in a counselling agency in North London. I see clients who have lost a child (at any age), those who are bereaved, survivors of domestic abuse and young people age 12 and over. I also work for a charity that supports women affected by domestic abuse.

Other areas of counselling I deal with

Depression/Anxiety.

Depression and anxiety can be debilitating conditions and can make the world seem hopeless and meaningless. Medication can help but the effect on your life and those around you needs understanding. Together we can wonder what effect this is having on you and ask the question 'why'?

Domestic abuse.

I have specific knowledge, training and experience of working with women who are in or have left an abusive relationship.I will not judge your situation, nor advise you on any specific course of action. Together we can explore what is happening, why this may be and what impact it may be having on you at this time.